Seasonal Assistant Starter

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park offers competitive pay and benefits for FT & PT employees; including PT PTO and holiday premium pay. Employees also receive free live racing admission, perks of special events and a variety of local & Canterbury Park discounts.

Job Summary: 

The Assistant Starters’ services will be used in order to provide a fair and equal start of all horses in a race, as well as supervise and assist horses schooling in proper starting gate procedure. Responsible for supporting the Company’s mission, vision, and values by providing an unparalleled experience of fun and entertainment.    

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead by example.


• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of hospitality, as well as a positive and professional demeanor at all times. 


• Creates high levels of morale, fosters teamwork, inspires collaboration, and provides suggestions for growth to management.


• Assist horses in the starting gate for each race and during morning schooling


• Ensure a fair start through proper starting gate procedures

Required Qualifications: 

• Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often challenging environment where multiple tasks and events may occur simultaneously.


• The highest of moral integrity and a strong work ethic.


• Must be able to pass Canterbury Park’s pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, drug screening, and Canterbury Park’s Safe Driving Policy.


• Must be able to attain a Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) license.


• Must be registered with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) as a Covered Person.


• As a requirement of HISA, must complete, on an annual basis, at least 2 hours of safety training either a) provided by Canterbury Park prior to the beginning of the current meet or b) through ROAP certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least One (1) year of experience as an Assistant Starter

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Maintain a flexible working schedule, which may include early mornings, late nights and weekends during the live race season May – September.


• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit throughout the assigned shift.


• Required to be in proper uniform at all times during the hours live racing is being conducted.


• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.


• Requires frequent wrist and hand use.